4 Things To Keep In Mind While Buying Flint Strikers

Flint strikers offer a quick and easy way to ignite a welding torch and get the process of manual welding going. You can buy flint strikers online and expand your welding toolkit to include these essential welding accessories. However, there are several important factors that you need to keep in mind before buying a flint striker for your next welding project. 

Take a look at these important factors below. 

4 Things to Keep in Mind While Buying Flint Strikers

Flint strikers work by making use of flints or sedimentary rocks that are used to produce a spark when rubbed. The spark, when exposed to the fuel gas and the oxygen from a welding torch, gives rise to the flame required for a welding job. This sums up the fundamentals of how a flint striker works. 

It is important to take the following factors into account when you are looking for a flint striker. 

• Single vs Triple Striker

Single flint strikers use just one flint, while triple flint strikers have three flints instead. While a single flint striker may be more company and affordable, triple flint strikers are more effective at lighting welding torches. So, you need to decide which kind of flint striker to purchase, depending on your budget and your welding requirements. 

If you are new to gas welding and if you’re only an occasional welder, you can start off by purchasing a single flint striker. Once you get more invested in the hobby, you may want to upgrade to a triple flint striker. On the other hand, if you are a professional welder, a triple flint striker may be more suitable for you from the outset. 

On a similar note, there are also 5-flint strikers available for industrial grade welding. If your welding requirements are more heavy-duty and industrial in nature, these may be a good fit. 

• The Availability of Replacement Parts

Triple flint strikers come with a triangular design that can be rotated and adjusted as needed. The flints can also be replaced once they have been completely worn out. However, this advantage is only meaningful if there are adequate replacement parts available for your flint striker. So, ensure that replacement parts are available for your preferred flint strikers before you buy them. 

• The Durability of the Striker

Flint strikers can be made of carbon steel or stainless steel, which are the two most common materials used to design these welding tools. While carbon steel is strong, stainless steel is generally stronger and also resistant to corrosion. That said, some kinds of high-grade carbon steel can be stronger than stainless steel. So, it is best to compare your options and choose a flint striker with good overall strength and durability. 

• Your Overall Budget 

Depending on the material used and the number of flints, the prices of flint strikers vary in the market. The price also depends on the brand that you choose. Factor these aspects in and check if the flint strikers you’ve shortlisted meet your budgetary constraints, if any. You can then make an informed purchase decision accordingly. 

Conclusion

If you frequently engage in gas welding jobs, it is important to invest in a good set of flint strikers. Being mindful of the factors outlined above can make it easier for you to choose the right kind of flint strikers for your welding and cutting projects. That said, once you have chosen the right flint strikers for your welding toolkit, you also need to pay attention to their upkeep and maintenance. Check for any signs of wear and tear or damages, and replace worn out flints in a timely manner.